CHINO, Calif. — Orel Hershiser built his reputation as one of the most dependable pitchers in baseball history. Now, the former Dodgers ace, broadcaster and entrepreneur is bringing that same “Bulldog” mentality to the automotive industry.
Hundreds of fans, community leaders and sports figures gathered Thursday for the grand reopening of Orel Hershiser Chevrolet in Chino, where the 1988 World Series MVP officially joined the dealership's ownership group and unveiled the rebranded business that previously operated as MK Smith Chevrolet.
The celebration featured a star-studded lineup that included former Dodgers manager Mike Scioscia, Mickey Hatcher, Ramon Martinea, Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis, current Dodger Miguel Rojas, as well as former Lakers standout Robert Horry. The festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Chino City Hall before fans made their way to the dealership on Central Avenue.
For Hershiser, the moment represented far more than putting his name on a building.
"We're in a rebranding and a grand opening for Orel Hershiser Chevrolet," Hershiser said. "It used to be MK Smith Chevrolet. It's a legacy purchase for us. We really respected the Smiths, and that's why they gave us this opportunity."
Hershiser admitted he was stunned by the turnout for a weekday event.
"I can't believe that it's a Thursday work day, middle of the day, a Dodgers off day, and there's scheduled to be like three to four thousand people here," he said. "I've fallen in love with the city of Chino and their open arms."
The dealership marks the latest business venture for Hershiser, who has steadily expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio since retiring from baseball. He and business partner Eddie Allizadeh acquired the dealership after years of involvement in Southern California's automotive industry.
"We started the relationship in the car business with Mike Capozio in Rotolo, and then also I'm part owner of a Buick GMC dealership in Victorville," Hershiser said. "As I grew in the business, I was like, 'You know what? I want to own my own dealership.'"
While the acquisition is a business milestone, Hershiser said it also fulfills a personal dream.
"This is a dream come true for everybody," he said. "I dreamed about being a big leaguer and that was accomplished. But I always had the backdrop of I wanted to be in business someday. Now I'm really living my dad's plan for me because my dad was a businessman and entrepreneur."
The dealership's website emphasizes Hershiser's championship pedigree, noting that the Hall of Fame-caliber pitcher remains actively involved in operations while carrying forward the legacy of a dealership that has served the community since 1941.
Perhaps the most telling moment of the day came when Hershiser explained the philosophy that continues to drive him nearly four decades after his legendary 1988 season.
"I always want to be introduced as 'he is,' not 'he was,'" Hershiser said. "That keeps me motivated on a daily basis. That keeps me trying to do my best every day. I don't always worry about results. I worry about treating people right and how would I want to be treated."
That mindset may help explain why so many current and former athletes showed up to support him.
"The guys that come out, they're showing their loyalty. They're showing their integrity," Hershiser said. "We support each other through thick and thin."
While Thursday's celebration focused on a new chapter in business, Hershiser remains deeply connected to the Dodgers organization as a broadcaster. Asked about the defending World Series champions, he marveled at what he sees from the club on a nightly basis.
"What I'm watching is greatness," Hershiser said. "They've got some of the best players in the world, if not the best player in the world. The ultimate goal is to win a world championship and to do it for the third time in a row. You're in a pretty special place."
For Hershiser, who already owns a permanent place in Dodgers history, Thursday's grand opening represented another milestone in a life that continues to evolve. Nearly 40 years after becoming a Southern California sports icon, he's proving that his legacy extends far beyond the pitcher's mound.
And if the turnout in Chino was any indication, the community is eager to follow him into this next venture.